Area(s) of Specialization:

I have a dual role in extension and research which revolves around IPM of arthropods in corn, soybean, sorghum, alfalfa and wheat. My lab focuses on resistance management of the western corn rootworm, banks grass mites and two spotted spider mite.

Current research projects:

Survival and fecundity of spider mites on drought tolerant corn hybrids in the high plains region

Effects of differing weed/volunteer corn management practices on western corn rootworm resistance development

Limited and variable irrigation effects on western corn rootworm populations

Effects of alfalfa cutting regimes on insect density and species composition

Susceptibility of spider mites to miticides used in corn and soybeans in the central US

Education

My PhD research focused on western corn rootworm resistance management including cross resistance between Bt products and the potential role of feeding behavior in resistance. During my time at Georgia Southern University, I discovered a community of over 90 different species living in the webs of the subsocial spider, Anelosimus studiosus. My work there also led me to the discovery of an interesting behavior of the southeastern beach tiger beetle (Cicindela dorsalis media), the first documented case of wind powered wheeling locomotion.